After visiting the coast of Lisbon which shares a fair bit about the cities history, you would probably want to continue with exploring the city and learning about the local’s way of life. With a strong catholic community, many churches have been deemed heritage sites but there is also a castle and a feat of engineering that you will want to see!
Sao Jorge Castle
Unlike traditional castles, Sao Jorge was not built for residence purposes. It was built for the army and in the event of a siege, a place for the elite to stay in. Originally built in the 11 century, it was restored in 1940 with gardens added into the courtyards.
You can spend some time exploring all of the towers with secret escape routes and gates. As the castle is high above the city, remember to bring your cameras along to snap some awesome views.
Santa Justa Lift
The fastest way to get from Baixa to Bairro Alto is through this over-a-century-old lift. At seven stories high, this gothic lift boasts a viewing platform for views of Baixa Pombalina and the Carmo Convent.
Considered as part of the city’s public transportation, you can take the lift for €5.30 via Carris 24 Hours Pass or skip the long queues by climbing the stairs next to Carmo Convent.
Save yourself the hassle of buying the tickets at the metro stations by purchasing your pass here.
Lisbon Cathedral
The churches in Lisbon are timeless in their beauty and well-preserved in modern times as Christianity remains a strong local religion. The Lisbon Cathedral is one such example, having been built in 1150.
It features a gorgeous rose window and two bell towers. On the inside, there are paintings of saints dating back to the 13th century and the tombs of King Afonso IV and João Anes Archbishop. Recent excavation works in the cloister garden have dug up Phoenician ceramics from the 5th and 6th centuries BC.
São Roque Church
This church is easy to be missed when wandering around the streets of Barrio Alto due to its indistinctive exterior. However, it’s interior is one of the most lavish with one of the most expensive chapels in the world. The chapel was originally built and blessed in Rome by the Pope and then taken apart to be rebuilt in this church in 1747.
The Museum of Treasure was built onsite to educate the public on a religious charity organization’s work and costs a small fee to enter. The museum also has a cafe for visitors to stop and rest.
National Sanctuary of Christ the King
This iconic statue of Jesus stands stall at 133m above sea level, as a symbol of gratitude from the Portuguese who avoided the horrors of World War Two. It is also no coincidence that it appears to be similar to the statue of Rio de Janeiro as the idea was conceived by the Cardinal after he paid a visit to Brazil.
Inside the monument, visitors can admire the relics of saints in the two chapels or head up for a bird’s eye view of Lisbon and the Tagus River.
Carmo Convent
This is perhaps the most important site you have to visit to learn about the history of Lisbon. In memory of the 1755 earthquake which devasted and ruined much of the city, the ruins of this convent remain without a roof.
It currently is also the home of the Carmo Archaeological Museum which shares more information about how the ruins used to be one of the greatest gothic roman catholic buildings in town and the history of Portugal.
Insider Tip: They also have exhibitions from other ancient civilizations, including mummies from Peru that you must see.
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